During the recent Santa Cruz City Council meeting on October 4, 2025, a significant proclamation was made declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This initiative, presented by Council Member Gabriela Triguero, aims to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of domestic violence and to encourage community involvement in prevention efforts.

The proclamation highlights alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicating that nearly one in four women and one in seven men in the United States have experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. It emphasizes that domestic violence affects individuals across all demographics, including various genders, sexual orientations, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Council Member Triguero acknowledged the contributions of the Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women (CPVAW), which has been active for 44 years in Santa Cruz. The commission has partnered with local organizations, such as Monarch Services and the Walnut Avenue Family and Women's Center, to implement educational programs and support services aimed at preventing domestic violence and empowering young people to build healthy relationships.

In her remarks, Triguero expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts of the commission and its members, who have engaged with the community through outreach and educational events. She underscored the importance of continuing to address domestic violence as a societal issue rooted in broader problems, including misogyny and generational cycles of violence.

The council's proclamation serves as a call to action for the Santa Cruz community to participate in awareness activities throughout October, reinforcing the message that collective efforts are essential in combating domestic violence. As the city moves forward, the council encourages public engagement and dialogue on this critical issue, recognizing that while progress has been made, much work remains to be done.